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Rabat – The Moroccan Labor Union (UMT) estimates that the contracts of more than 5,000 cross-border workers who used to work in Ceuta and Melilla have expired.
As discussions about the forthcoming opening of border crossings are ongoing, Moroccan cross-border workers with expired contracts are likely to face difficulties crossing the border.
The UMT noted that only 230 frontline workers still have their contract in force and will be able to re-enter the Spanish enclaves when borders reopen.
The UMT urges authorities to solve the situation of those whose contracts in Ceuta and Melilla have expired, with an aim to allow them to cross borders when the time comes.
UMT Representative Marouane Chakib told Spanish media outlet Efe on Thursday that the workers have lost their employment contracts and their legal status with their employers after the closure of borders two years ago.
“We want to be allowed to look for another job and renew our residence permit. We must not be victims of the crisis between Spain and Morocco,” Chakib said.
The status of cross-border workers is under negotiation between Spanish and Moroccan authorities ahead of the reopening of land border crossings.
The reopening was announced on April 7 following a meeting between King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, marking the end of the bilateral crisis.
Initially, the borders between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla were supposed to open on April 30.
But the date was extended by 15 more days, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry.
The closure extension came to allow time to finalize details in preparation for the reopening of the borders, and to ensure the most orderly passage through the borders possible, the ministry said.
Read Also: Moroccan-Spanish Joint Migration Group Expected to Meet in Rabat in May
